Convicted murderer in Mass. granted parole after first hearing
A convicted murderer serving a life sentence in Massachusetts was granted parole after his first appearance before the parole board earlier this month.
Kadeem Foreman, convicted of second-degree murder in 2012 after the killing of Toneika Jones in Dorchester, appeared before the parole board in March, which granted his release from prison under special conditions.
Foreman's parole will be granted after 90 days in minimum security to a long-term residential program and the 35-year-old must complete a welding program at MCI-Norfolk, according to the board's Aug. 5 decision.
On Nov. 27, 2012, he was convicted after a jury trial in Suffolk Superior Court and then sentenced to life in prison with a possibility of parole. Other convicted charges included assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm without a license, and possession of a loaded firearm.
He appeared on March 27 for his initial hearing before the state's parole board, and he was not represented by an attorney.
"The Board concludes that Kadeem Foreman has demonstrated a level of rehabilitation that would make his release compatible with the welfare of society," the written decision reads.
Decision of the board
The parole board said Foreman was 20 years old at the time of the killing, and that he's "invested in self-development and rehabilitation."
Foreman earned a bachelor's degree from Boston College and is currently participating in MCI-Norfolk's welding program.
"The Board considered his age and context of the offense," the decision reads. "Mr. Foreman demonstrated positive adjustment and strong work history."
Two members of the seven-person board voted against the granting of his parole.
The decision says Foreman has been approved for minimum security and has had a number of leadership positions.
"Mr. Foreman has a strong support system and re-entry plan," the decision reads.
Family members and community members spoke in support of Foreman's release, while friends and family of the victim, as well as a Suffolk County District Attorney's Office official spoke in opposition to parole.
Foreman's conviction
On May 22, 2010, in Dorchester, Foreman and his accomplice, or accomplices, were involved in a shooting that killed 24-year-old Jones and injured a 19-year-old man.
"Foreman and his accomplice(s) were among a group that fired a number of gunshots from three firearms at four people standing inside of an apartment vestibule," on Harvard Street in Dorchester, the board's decision states.
The group fired shots while standing outside the closed door to the building. One of the bullets went through the metal door and lodged in the man's arm.
A second bullet struck Jones in the abdomen. She ran up a short flight of stairs, but died within minutes, the board's decision states.
"Mr. Foreman and his accomplice(s) fled on foot, but were captured by the police within minutes, hiding in an overgrown vacant residential lot," the decision states.
Police found a revolver and a semi-automatic pistol along the path of their attempted escape, both of which were used to fire at the victims.
"Foreman had left a palm print on the magazine of the pistol and had gunshot residue on his hands," the decision states.
A third weapon, never recovered, was used to fire the two shots that struck the two victims.
Other conditions of Foreman's release include electronic monitoring for six months, supervision and testing for drugs and alcohol, and no contact with the victim's family.
Massachusetts Parole Board
Read the original article on MassLive .
